BackThe Nature of Our Return
By: Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger
The Mesorah, our tradition, asserts that there are two types of teshuva/repentance. One is teshuva me-ahava, return to G-d from love, and the other is teshuva me-yira, return to G-d from awe. Repentance out of love is considered preferable, because the desire to be a better person seems more genuine than fear of punishment by an awesome G-d. But, perhaps there is a way to combine these two polarities into one seamless sensibility that can define the nature of our return to both the Divine and our best selves during this High Holy Day period of reflection, culminating in this Shabbat Shuva, the Sabbath of repentance, and Yom Kippur just afterward.
One can be earnestly infatuated with G-d and His Creation, while still feeling a sense of wonder – even fear – at the majesty of it all. In fact, I dare say, the Hakarat HaTov, the gratitude incumbent upon us all every minute, inspires both emotions: love and trembling. How fortunate we are to have the opportunity to experience this world! Simply put, the least we can do is make the best of each moment.
Rabbi Mayer Twersky of Yeshiva University reminds us that Rambam’s use of the phrase “darkhei teshuva“, paths of return, suggests that being alive means “a permanent lifestyle of teshuva (return).” A fast day, such as Yom Kippur, only highlights this approach to living. But, we should always be devoted to “enduring change.”
We are supposed to identify changes we can make in our character and conduct all the time. Yom Kippur just sets us on the annual road to a life better lived.